Cricket Australia (CA) on Monday (December 18), named a 13-player squad for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan, which will be played in Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26.
The Pat Cummins-led Australia cricket team recorded a massive win of 360 runs in the first Test against Pakistan at the Perth Stadium. With this win, the hosts have taken a 1-0 lead in the ongoing three-match Test series against Shan Masood and his team.
Well, Australia dropped their uncapped speedster Lance Morris from their 14-member squad for the Perth Test, as he was released to play in the BBL. He'll be available for Perth Scorchers' clash with Hobart Hurricanes on December 20 at Optus Stadium.
"Lance has been released for the Melbourne match but will stay prepared for Test cricket as he remains firmly in our plans for the summer, should an opportunity arise," national selector George Bailey was quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
Meanwhile, the senior pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and skipper Pat Cummins are likely to lead the Australian pacer attack, while Scott Boland can bolster their attack if the hosts decide to tinker with their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test.
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is also in contention to make it to the playing XI, but skipper Cummins hinted to field a similar team at the MCG that won the Perth Test against Pakistan.
Cummins told ICC about Australia’s playing XI at the MCG: “I don't think injuries are going to be an issue, so I dare say it will be a pretty similar line-up at this stage. I think all the bowlers are pretty fresh after (the win in Perth). It's basically the ideal start to the summer.”
Australia Test squad for second Test:
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner.
(With ANI Inputs)
